On Judgment

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I receive Gwyneth Paltrow GOOP newsletter and I am catching up on the one I received on Thursday. It was so perfect I had to share some interesting parts with you.

"Often times, when we occupy the space of 'I'm right and you're wrong' it keeps us from seeing our own responsibility in matters. When we judge others' foibles and personality traits, what does it really say about us? What can we do to identify and get rid of judgment in ourselves and in our lives?"

We condemn in others what we are afraid to see in ourselves.

Blame is the projection of guilt.

"Even as the game of judgment keeps society running smoothly, constantly dictating our likes and dislikes, our loves and hates, human beings are born to transcend. We can go beyond the setup of society, the ego and judgment itself. In that innate capacity for seeking the higher self, every hope and promise offered by the world's great spiritual teachers rests."

"When we judge others we often think that we are simply making an observation, and that this action or thought will not affect us. However this is not the case. When we judge others we are awakening and connecting ourselves to a force of judgment. It is like trying to throw mud at someone – we might or might not hit them but we are definitely tainted by the mud. And by acting in this way we don't necessarily affect the other person, but we most definitely draw the energy of judgment and lack into ourselves."

"In order to change and grow we need to be able to know what it is about ourselves that we need to transform. Yet if we are never completely capable of seeing our own faults, how will we change?"

"If we truly integrate this understanding into our lives, the next time we feel the urge to judge others we will instead look inward and find how we too possess the fault we see and forget about judging anyone. By acting in this way we protect ourselves from drawing the energy of judgment and lack into our lives. And most importantly, we gain a clear direction for own transformation and growth."

"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." -Carl Gustave Jung

Have you seen these Wanderlust Video's?? I might be the last. But I love them! It is basically videos from a guy named Rick Mereki where he visited 11 countries in 44 days and experienced and learned as much as he could. Amazing.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Check out his Tumblr page

Must Watch

This is a very inspiring video.  Watch it, you wont be sorry

 

| Artists Wanted | In Focus : Pete Eckert from Artists Wanted on Vimeo.

What I needed to read

Today's Faves

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Happy Hump Day! We are almost to the weekend again, can I get an AMEN! It's been a good couple of days, and i've been incredibly productive and this makes me happy. I am a MUCH happier person when I am busy and checking things off my list. Here are a couple of my Faves for the day:

1.) Morning snuggles with Mimi
2.) A clean organized car, I feel like I am no longer living out of it
3.) Photography assignments
4.) Frappuccino's on a hot day like today
5.) Dinner plans with drinks involved
6.) Feeling inspired
7.) Feeling productive and accomplished

What are some of your faves for the day?

Inspiration: Yellow!

 

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Home Inspiration: Spring is in the air!

With spring around the corner - one can only hope. I am looking to some inspirational photos to spurce up the home. Here are a couple of my home inspirations that have caught my eye

WOW this color purple on this couch is stunning! Not to mention the amazing lamp in the back. Love.

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There is just something about a pure white room that looks like so clean and inviting.
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My love for purple is very clear, so to have this beautiful purple walls display these wonderfully organized pictures makes my heart sing!

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Savour
Slow down and enjoy what's most precious about your life.

Laugh
Why so serious?

Explore
Step to the edges and hang out there a little.

Rest
You, me, we're all sleep-deprived. Grab an extra hour.

Proclaim
Stand for something. Draw a line in the sand.

Discard
You've got clutter online, offline, mentally, emotionally. Purge.

Embrace
Who you are. Reality. Opportunities. Your shadow. Friends.

Partner
Build something with someone else.

Provoke
Poke the status quo and see what wobbles.

Love
Spread the net a little wider.

Flow
Find grace and ease.

Awesome words of inspiration found over here. Thanks for sharing!

Cha-cha-chaanges......

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So I get we are only a mere 8 days into the new year (but still, 8! Yowza) however, I find that I am still doing the same things that I told myself were not working, and vowed to make an effort to change - lone behold no effort.

Things that DO NEED to change:

- No breakfast in the morning

- A 450 cal coffee that I don't need

- Dis-organization (car, home, desk, life)

- No workday routine - Hi, im flying my the seed of my pants

- No actual goals to work toward

- Laying/sitting around too much

- Too worried about everything and everyone but myself

- How I handle my stress

- Conquering my fears head on - it actually becomes crippling

- Stop feeling sorry for myself

- Taking things so seriously

- Staying in too much - get the heck OUT there sista

- How I need to take more pictures

- Spending habits

Things that DO NOT need to change:

+ My work ethic

+ My love of reading and awful TV

+ My desire to be the best I can in life (even when its hard)

+ My ability to laugh at the stupidest things

+ My love for my family and friends

+ Wanting to dance and sing and break out into a number

+ Wanting to travel as much as I can

I also get that it's a lot more easy to pin point the bad in your life than the good, but I know that with the bad there are good. The funny thing people. is I know exactly what I need to do. Im no dumby. I need to make more of a conscious effort. I need to make more time. I need to live more consciously. Sure I am not where I want to be some aspects of my life but that doesn't mean I should let everything else fall apart, right? It shouldn't have to be an all or nothing combination. Life can be hard, but I can do - I did it before - i'll do it again.

In other news!

This weekend should be a lot of fun. This morning I had a nice chat with my aunt who is living in England, looked around the Internet for inspiration and talked it up with my mom. This afternoon, we are going over to Mike's parents house to celebrate our Bro-in-law's bday. Dinner, fun and good times to come. Tomorrow, I plan on doing a little decorating project and then celebrating my Uncle Gino and Aunt Lina's b-day. Lunch at our favorite restaurant with cake and ice cream to follow. Sprinkled in between the festivities I plan on catching up with the mounds of laundry appearing everywhere.... see, if I had a freaking routine this wouldn't be such an issue.

Have a great weekend!

5 Things you can learn from your pet.

I read this cute artical in a magazine. These stories are not my own, but with having a dog of my own, can easily relate to these little lesson's are pets can teach us.

1. Celebrate EVERYTHING. Each time I walk into my home - even if i've been gone for less than a minute - my dogs leap on me, kiss me, wag and bark, and show me their chewed toys. I find it inspiring: Life throws a lot of junk in your direction, so you might as well get your kicks when you can. Now I try to acknowledge every small-but-happy event with at least a cheerful word of gesture. I believe that if dogs can speak, they'd say "You should have a cupcake for that." That's a worldview I can get behind.

2. Just being present is enough. About a decade ago, I suffered the two greatest losses in my life in a quick succession. My sister died of breast cancer, and my marriage ended. One lonley night when I was experiencing the worst grief, my two cats got on the bed and snuggled up to either side of me. They didnt make a sound; they just stayed there, so close that I actually felt embraced. That was suchg a powerful lesson in what truly gives comfort. I have never know what to say to a friend who has a terrible illness or who has lost a loved one, but my cats taught me that I dont need to say anything at all. What matter is showing up.

3. BRAIN size doesn't matter. My wife and I once had a parrot named Chicken who had a really small brain. And yet Chicken took great pleasure in humanlike activities, such as rearranging the cupboards. She was so clevar - as most pets are. If you observe them, you'll be reminded that even though people are smarter, we're still just animals with the same emotions, like anxiety and joy.

4. Don't try so hard. Cats are quirky, independent thinkers. Some people don't like them for this reason. But I find that quality enormously appealing. I respect each of my cats because they are true to themselves and resisent to outside influences.

5. You can get along with anybody. You know the expression "They fight like cats and sogs"? In my experience, it's not necessarily true. It is quite suprising how animals of different speices (cats, dogs, birds, you name it) can be friends - as long as they are raised in a warm and loving environment. IN my work, I bring home baby birds almost every night. Out dog Spinnaker treats them very gently. Humans would do well to emulate such displays of generosity.

What Mimi (my dog) has taught me:

1.) Patience - Before her, I was only responsible for myself. And with this little spit fire, she has taught me to be more patient with her and myself. She is very much still in her puppy phase and as crazy as she gets at times, I love how silly and sweet shet is.

2.) Forgive quickly - Pets don't hold grudges and they are so quick to forgive. I've disciplined her and told her NO and even lost my cool, but Mimi is so quick to give me a moment and then come up to be a give me a quick kiss on the cheek. As if to say, "Im sorry mom, we cool?"

3.) Napping is amazing - I use to be a master at the art of napping and with Mimi in my life, I have come to appreciate this art form in a whole new level. I cant believe how much she naps and when she wakes up she is so refreshed with her little puppy bed head and is ready for the rest of her day.

Don't fotget to....

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Happy Thursday everyone. The week has been a busy one but alas, it's almost over which means the weekend is upon us! Hope everyone has a fabulous day :) xoxo

25 Things I Have Learned

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Well, my 25th birthday has come and gone and sometimes I can't believe how far I have come in those 25 years and what I have learned.

1. Hard work really does pay off and there is no real satisfaction in taking shortcuts and skipping scene's.

2. Friends and boyfriends may come and go but your family is forever. If you let them, they'll be there for you.

3. Laughing really is the best medicine.

4. It's ok to push yourself and push yourself hard. It's amazing to see how far you can get physically, mentally and emotionally.

5. Anger only creates more anger, and although I may get angry I am learning to let it go faster and faster each time. It is exhausting being angry for any lengthy period of time.

6. Going out of your comfort zone to try new things is scary and amazing - you just have to try.

7. Sometimes you just.have.to.turn.the.tv.off. As much as I love Real Housewives of Atlanta, Beverly Hills, OC, Washington, New York (When are they going to let Detroit represent? No?) It's a great feeling to turn that sound off and frickin open a book.

8. You are a much better person, friend, daughter, wife, girlfriend etc when you do things for yourself. Even if it's just getting out of the house to get a pupkin spice latte.

9. Life is way to short. We are constantly riding on this line of life and death and we need to make sure we make the best out of each day. Did I do my very best?

10. Jealousy and envy are empty feelings. I read somewhere that sometimes your ahead and sometimes your behind and as long as you are defining your own definition of success these feelings cant exist.

11. Take pride in what you do - even if it is not the most glamorous thing.

12. Fake it till you make it.

13. Be positive.

14. The universe does eventually even itself out. People don't get away with things that aren't right - eventually the universe will balance out and they will get what they deserve. Don't try to speed it up, let it happen as it should.

15. Do the right thing - even if its the hard thing.

16. Be conscienctious of other's feelings.

17. It's ok to make mistakes. Thats how you grow and learn but remember "You can learn from others mistakes - not all mistakes are worth making"

18. Have discipline - so many people these days think that things should be handed to them or that they are entitiled, this is just not the case. Unless you are a princess, then yes you are entitled.... so.... have fun!

19. Take advantage of adversity. "If you cant live through adversity, you'll never be good at what you do. You have to live through the unfair things, and you have to develop the hide to not let it bother you and to keep your eyes focused on what you have to do"

20. Be happy. It is just that easy.

21. Have faith. Even if you dont believe in that man in sky. Having some kind of faith in this insane world will ground you, it will protect you, it will give you peace and hope.

22. Do what you feel is right - even if it isolates you. I have always stuck to what I believe in and at times it made me very unpopular and a lot of times people wouldnt come to me anymore because they knew what I was going to say (and they werent going to like it) but I never sacrafised my ideals for the majority and im happier for that.

23. People dont change. BUT people can improve.

24. Never stop learning.

25. Never stop growing. Constantly trying to improve myself physically, mentally and emotionally has never been easy for me but i'll never stop.

Hey all I am loving this cute cottage up in traverse city that was featured in Apartment Therapy. I love the neutral colors with pops of teal and color here or there - very nice.

Music Philosophy

Have you ever come across something that is so genius that you kick yourself for not thinking of it first? Well I came across an amazing site called Music Philosophy and they make posters out of lyrics from different songs. They are so cute and full of color - I cant wait to grab one myself - the only problem is I don't know how I am going to choose!

The Rhythem is Gonna Get You

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Growing up I have always known that music had a huge affect on me. I found myself being moved by a song, by its beat or lyric. I would listen to it over and over and over again till it was literally a part of me. I guess I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I went awhile without it. Sure I would listen to the radio on m y ride home but dance music a.k.a. Bruno Mars, Usher or Flo Rider doesn’t quite move my soul (at least not lately). So the other morning as I was rushing out the door as I usually am in the mornings I grabbed my itouch (I have an iphone so I don’t use I itouch as much.) When I got to work I turned on my itouch and man it was trip! I came across so many songs that brought back so many memories - songs I hadn't listened to in forever.

Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap - my taste really started to expand after hearing this. It's absolutely haunting and beautiful.

White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes - my mom discovered this song on a fellow Michigan blogger and I was blown away. It's addicting and sucks you right in.

Bowl for Two by The Expendables - I always love a good Reggae song, this one has a more modern flare to it.

Breathe Me by Sia - originally I heard this song on the series finale of Six Feet Under and my GOD people, this song has moved by soul in ways I didn't know existed. It is so freaking beautiful that it could bring tears to my eyes, every time.

You Don't Know Me by Ben Folds - This song has this very upbeat feel to it, but the subject is about a couple of are coexisting and really don't know or get each other... Regina Spektor sings in it as well - BONUS!

Where is my Mind by City Wolf - very soothing and interesting song loved it the moment I heard it.

Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke - amazing beat, amazing lyrics and in a way kind of dark. Great song to unwind too.

Stay or Leave by Dave Matthews - I remember listening to this song over and over after my first real breakup. Dave Matthews always knows how to take it home. Beautiful song - yet very sad. Still always good to come back to here and there.

Unintended by Muse - Muse will always be one of my favorite bands of all time. But this particular song which is an oldie isn't really known. This song is so hauntingly beautiful it gives me chills.

How it ends by DeVotchKa - This song made me cry the first time I heard it. I originally heard it on SYTYCD and the dance that went along with it really hit home for me. It was exactly what I needed in that moment of time and for that this song will forever hold a special place in my heart.

These are a couple of my favorite songs and I love them all because they helped me in some way lifted my spirit when I needed it, inspired me when I was empty and put a smile back on my face. What music/songs holds a special place in your heart?

Home Inspiration

So I have been looking around the blogosphere for a couple new blogs to follow and I came across this blog and I just love it! She had a great post on decorating/redecorating her master bedroom. She has this wall of shame and I have to tell you - I LOVE IT!

This could be so inexpensive! You find some fun thrifty frames and voila! I think it's genius and would love to try this out on our guest bedroom :) Now I just need to find the time to put it together!

And these came from Apartment Therapy's feature found here talk about CUTE!!!!!!